
Understanding the campus climate and how to implement it across the campus helps with student retention
I think understanding the definition of equity really helps us meet each student where they are. Helping students reach their goals is of utmost importance.
As instructors, our actions must be louder than our words. I was given the brave opportunity to run the education department, where the campus was loosing a lot of students. After, getting to know each student as an individual, I concluded that, faculty not just instructors, but all of us that are involved in students success were louder in words and our actions failed our students tremendously. I built a Team focusing on student success throughout the campus and we watched our population grow, not only we bought in new students and kept our current students, we created a happy, healthy and successful environment, where student thrived to be the best of themselves. Students are looking for consistency, nurturing and knowing we care, just a little extra goes a long way.
A feeling of community and belonging helps a student feel supported in achieving their goals.
Im hoping my students learn to trust me and know that I am there for them. I am a new instructor and have such high hopes for my first group. Being transparent, available, and willingness to share my knowledge and skills will hopefully keep them wanting more!
Comment on MELINDA WOOD's post: I agree. I feel it is our job to know what a student is feeling while they are taking classes and grow based on workable feedback.
The online learner of today, is not the same that it was when I was a student taking classes online 20 years ago. This generation of online learners are groomed to be comfortable and confident with online engagement. Our approach to ensuring their online experience is exceptional is how we stand out. by ensuring we engage immediately and with clear expectations of our engagement policies will set everyone up for success. Attempting to make their educational experience exciting, positive and rewarding is our role in ensuring we have students, not only return, but graduate.
It is important to encourage students to achieve their objectives and be available to readily assist where necessary to ensure they progress in their respective programs.
Student's notice when an instructor cares. The relationship to student and instructor is vital. Student's open up when they feel emotionally safe to do so and this connection will be a vital aspect to determine if the student chooses to quit or not.
I am very much Pro Good Communication...My School is an example of a Building a TEAM, "Treating others well", Keeping Positive attitude, engaging students in Group-studies, Helping each other, All of that should help us to build stronger retention.
Being genuine to students can allow them to appreciate the institution more and prevent attrition
Today's generation of students are different and it can be viewed as good and bad. The key is to be constantly transparent and honest with them!
Student retention and attrition is not based on one factor. However, creating a positive and supportive environment will definitely boost the numbers.
I would agree that faculty has a role to play in the students decision to leave or stay. The faculty sets the tone.
I have learned that building a trusting and a mutual agreement about goals early on, helps to encourage a student.
At the beginning of this session I engaged with our fellow student's by asking "How many here have prior work experience in the medical field?" Being that the class is extremely diverse, I was curious to know what drew them to Medical Assisting. Out of maybe a group of 30 only 1 student had previous medical training. It was brought to my attention that some were enrolled because they heard "the pay is good" and there were other's who felt really passionate about their journey to becoming a MA. There are some student's who I know will be shy to present feedback during the curriculum but with proper engagement I feel they'll become more eager than they've ever believed. I'll encourage all student's not to give up...defeat intimidations and strive for success no matter how complicated things may become.
In years past a large portion of students came from a similar background which may have created similar learning styles and expectations. However, today students come from ALL backgrounds. Their parents may not have attended college or may be new to our country. Students may have been raised in any sort of religious setting or had parents that were able to assist them every step of the way. It is important to make these realizations and realize we were also absolutely leaving some students behind because of undiagnosed learning disabilities or because of a 'that's the way it is' mentality. Finally, we are growing and developing plans of action that revolve around student retention and build upon the differences of all students to reach the most students.
The connection between the instructor and the student is vital to student retention and creating a excellent learning environment.
I have learned 3 conditions that help build strong working alliances: genuineness, accurate empathy, and unconditional positive regard. It was interesting to me that I have used these in my practice for a long time and will continue to do so with a little more intent going forward.